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Conflict of Interest
As an Approved Program Provider (APP) of WSET qualifications, Slate Wine & Spirits Academy is required to identify, monitor, and manage actual, potential, and perceived conflicts of interest. This is essential to safeguard the integrity of WSET qualifications and promote confidence in WSET & Slate Wine & Spirits Academy processes. This policy applies to all Slate Wine & Spirits Academy instructors, any individuals acting on behalf of Slate Wine & Spirits Academy, and to all students registered for courses with Slate Wine & Spirits Academy.
A conflict of interest exists where an individual has interests or loyalties that could adversely influence their judgment, objectivity, or loyalty to Slate Wine & Spirits Academy when conducting activities associated with WSET qualifications. Examples of Conflicts of Interest in the context of an Approved Program Provider (APP) would include:
- The undertaking of any assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned.
- The undertaking of any moderation of assessment of candidates by an individual who has a personal interest in the result of the assessment for any or all individuals concerned.
- The tutoring of candidates by an individual involved in the assessment process.
- The undertaking of a WSET qualification by any individual employed by an APP.
- The invigilation of a WSET assessment by any individual involved in the delivery of training leading to the assessment.
- The employment by an APP of individuals engaged in the delivery of taught programs or in the role of Internal Assessor in another APP.
- The investigation of a non-compliance incident by someone who is unable to act impartially.
Management of Conflicts of Interest
Some of these Conflicts of Interest can be managed and are therefore acceptable. For example, the marking of WSET Level 3 tasting assessments by Internal Assessors is verified by WSET to mitigate the risk of a Conflict of Interest. Similarly, where an employee of an APP undertakes a WSET qualification, measures can be put in place to maintain the integrity of the assessment, provided this has been notified to WSET in advance.
However, some Conflicts of Interest cannot be managed and are not acceptable. For example, it would be inappropriate for an individual involved in authoring exam questions or compiling exam papers to teach or coach students.
WSET has procedures in place to manage specific Conflicts of Interest. These include the exclusive involvement of WSET staff in the creation of all assessment materials, moderation of all internal assessments conducted by APPs, and moderation of all written exams not marked by optical mark readers. Other Conflicts of Interest will be managed on a case-by-case basis.
Identification of Conflicts of Interest Any individual and or student who becomes aware of a potential Conflict of Interest must inform Lee Pancake, Director of Education, in writing immediately at [email protected]. Conflict of Interest declarations will be recorded by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy on the Conflicts of Interest Register.
Identification of Conflicts of Interest
Any individual and or student who becomes aware of a potential Conflict of Interest must inform Lee Pancake, Director of Education, in writing immediately at [email protected]. Conflict of Interest declarations will be recorded by Slate Wine & Spirits Academy on the Conflicts of Interest Register.